Heading to my First HPDE event!

[JDmustang82]

Well everyone I get to take the leap from Autocrossing to on track! I am going in with my mind open and try to absorb as much info as I can and have fun doing it! any words of advise for a newbie? I have read multiple threads on first track days and I only had a few questions. First is how much extra fuel should I bring? plan on taking two five gallon cans and have the car tank a little over half a tank. car is prepped pretty well after last AutoX event (fresh fluids), Brakes are newish all the way around and I mounted a Fire extinguisher for just in case measures. also have a cooler packed with food and water! I am super excited Its a 2 day event at Grattan and I should get quite a bit of seat time!

 

[Bill Pemberton]

First, have a full tank and keep it 1/2 full at all times. Sounds like you can drive your car to a nearby station if more fuel is needed but the goofy Mustang saddleback tank can starve for fuel in long corners so keep that baby full. This is not like an autocross where you are making short runs and don't want the extra weight, keep the GT full and have fun. You said you changed fluids but did you also do Brake fluid? If not, do a flush and fill with a solid DOT 4 fluid like Motul 600.

 

[Bouncing Soul]

I have a bunch of laps on Grattan, love that place! Have fun and watch out for the hump and errant turtles!

 

[TMSBOSS]

Stay hydrated, absorb everything, listen to our instructor and Enjoy.
have fun!

 

[JDmustang82]

First, have a full tank and keep it 1/2 full at all times. Sounds like you can drive your car to a nearby station if more fuel is needed but the goofy Mustang saddleback tank can starve for fuel in long corners so keep that baby full. This is not like an autocross where you are making short runs and don't want the extra weight, keep the GT full and have fun. You said you changed fluids but did you also do Brake fluid? If not, do a flush and fill with a solid DOT 4 fluid like Motul 600.

Ok I will keep it full and not run it lower then a 1/2 tank and Yes I changed the brake fluid with DOT 4.

 

[Backcreek]

Congrats, enjoy. Deep breaths plenty of fluids and look way ahead on track. Stay safe.

 

[ChrisM]

Let the Miata pass.

 

[JDmustang82]

Let the Miata pass.

I will defiantly let the Miatas pass that's for sure!

 

[o-man]

As was stated before; listen to your instructor and have a blast! Must report back after the weekend

 

[Dave_W]

Get in the habit of doing a quick check of your gauges / lights on a long straight every lap. Autocross runs are short enough (and action-packed enough) that we don't bother looking at gauges. A 20-minute track session is completely different, and not paying attention to coolant temps, idiot lights, etc. can be costly.

 

[Dave_W]

+1 on the comments on keeping hydrated, especially in the heat most of us are having now. Do some electrolyte maintenance as well as plain water, like 1 bottle of Gatorade for every few bottles of water. Drink more than you think you need and before you get thirsty, because once you get behind and start to feel dehydrated it's already too late. Dehydration can lead to higher heart rate & blood pressure, and loss of concentration & coordination - things you really need on track.

I did my Boss Track Attack in July 2014, and it was about 105 in SLC. I had a bottle of water immediately after each session, then had a bottle of juice or Gatorade during the debrief / lesson, then downed another water and hit the head on the way to the car for the next session. Monitoring your urine color helps in high heat - it should be between clear and light yellow / straw. If it's like apple juice, you're starting to be dehydrated and you need to increase your water intake.

 

[byronj]

@JDmustang82 send me a DM and I have a pretty good checklist that will get you through the weekend.

 

[blvckgt]

Good luck and have fun!!

 

[Jet One]

+1 on hydration...start the day before. I usually pit near a restroom, it can be quite a hike at some tracks walking back and forth depending where you pit. Eat light during the day especially if you plan on taking a ride with your instructor. Pay attention at the drivers meeting and most of all to your instructor! Prior to your track weekend become familiar with all flags and some familiarity with the track (watch some video) and pay particular attention to were worker stations are. This will help as you'll be fed a lot of information..the more you already have embedded will help to free you up to enjoy your day even more. You are going to love it!

 

[Bill Pemberton]

Jet One has got it so right ----------pit near a restroom. Since there are a ton of guys on here from 50 to 80 that is a really good piece of advice to help us compete with you young whippersnappers. I guess you might call our age group the whipperzippers because I know I for one make sure my pit area is close to a lovely ceramic urinal !!

 

[JP X]

Jet One has got it so right ----------pit near a restroom. Since there are a ton of guys on here from 50 to 80 that is a really good piece of advice to help us compete with you young whippersnappers. I guess you might call our age group the whipperzippers because I know I for one make sure my pit area is close to a lovely ceramic urinal !!

I always bring an electric scooter. So even if you're not close, you are there and back in a snap! No more "my session starts in 8 minutes, but I gotta pee"! Yes I'm not as young as I used to be.

 

[JDmustang82]

First I want to start with that was the MOST FUN I have had with my car ever! Secondly thank you everyone for all the advise! Everything went smooth, my instructor was very Helpful and nice! The run groups were very small which meant a lot track time (about 5 hours over the 2 days) and not much traffic on track! I made sure to stay Hydrated and ate light! Today was the most fun though! My Instructor Let me solo Drive and he even jumped into my group to lead follow me a bit! The car was Felt great all weekend and had no issues! only had some extra pedal travel after being in traffic and then Hitting the straight away.

 

[JDmustang82]

Get in the habit of doing a quick check of your gauges / lights on a long straight every lap. Autocross runs are short enough (and action-packed enough) that we don't bother looking at gauges. A 20-minute track session is completely different, and not paying attention to coolant temps, idiot lights, etc. can be costly.

I can see how someone could over look that easily I made sure to check them on the front strait and about half was threw the track. only saw the temp get a little high during a heavy traffic area, after I got passed them and out front it cooled right down.

 

[EF1]

Which track were you at?

 

[o-man]

Which track were you at?

Grattan, was in first post